Advertising trays for security screening

ABSTRACT

A system and device for use in a security area, and more particularly, a rack system and holding device for placing various objects that are processed through a security area are taught.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation and claims the benefit, under35 U.S.C. §120, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/070,094, filedMar. 3, 2005, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/611,430, filed Jul. 2, 2003, and is related to and claims thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/393,637 filed Jul. 3, 2002, which is expressly incorporatedfully herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and device for usein a security area, and more particularly, to a rack system and holdingdevice for placing various objects which are processed through asecurity area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Security areas are typically encountered in places such as an airportsecurity terminals, courthouse entrances and various other places wherea person and their luggage or personal items may need to be searchedprior to entering or leaving a particular room or area of a building.These security areas typically involve the steps of a person movingthrough a metal detector area and removing various items from theirclothing, pockets or luggage and placing them in a separate area to beeither hand checked or machine checked. It is common that peopletraveling through security areas, such as those in an airport securityterminal, may be carrying electronic devices and in particularlaptop/notebook-sized computers. These laptop computers are delicatedevices which should not be dropped or jostled in an excessive amount asthey can be damaged. It is very common that people traveling on businessthrough airport security terminals will have such items sized like alaptop computer so that they can later do work on the plane. The personmay have personal items such as wallets, keys, change, cell phones, PDAsand other small bags that need to be checked. These items are typicallyloose objects that can easily be lost or damaged if not handled in asafe manner.

After the person removes these items from their pockets they are usuallyplaced into a tray or small container that is then either checked by thesecurity personnel by hand or by an x-ray machine or other similardevice. The trays that are typically used are non-standardized smalltrays. In addition, if the person has any electronic equipment such as acamera, a laptop computer or any other device with may have to bechecked by the security personnel these items are sometimes put in alarger tray to be later hand checked by the security personnel or passedthrough, an x-ray device.

A disadvantage to the present system used in security areas is that thetrays for holding laptop computers are not part of a uniform system anddo not protect the items from possible damage. Therefore, it is possiblethat multiple size trays that do not in any way correspond with oneanother may be used at a security area thus making storage of the trayswhen they are not in use cumbersome. A disadvantage to anon-standardized tray system is that when the trays are to be storedthey may take up passenger access areas, thereby causing further waitingtime as the security personnel moves the unused trays so that a personmay pass through a passenger access area. Further it is common thatthere are inadequately-sized trays for holding large items such aslaptop computers, thereby increasing the chance of the computers beingdamaged by being placed on a conveyer belt without being placed in atray through an x-ray machine. Also, the time taken to search for apossible adequately-sized tray creates inefficiency and extends thewaiting time while a person is passing through a passenger access area.

Another disadvantage of the present system is that after the trays areused and the contents are empted the tray must then be brought to aseparate area of the security area and there is no system fortransporting, storing and organizing for easy access to these traysespecially if there are large numbers of them, and since the trays maybe of various sizes, they may be cumbersome to transport and take up anexcessive amount of space.

A disadvantage to the prior system is that the trays which are beingused typically are plain trays and do not utilize space provided on thetrays to generate additional revenue such as revenue which can bederived from advertising on the trays.

There exists a need for a system for a security area for moving thetrays from a starting position to an ending position which allows thetrays to be efficiently utilized, gathered and stored to be later usedagain.

There is also a need for a standardized sizing of the tray to allow foreasier transport of the trays when they are not is use and also toprovide a cleaner aesthetic appearance.

There is a need for uniformity from airport to airport to assist in themovement of people through the security checkpoints and also in thesecurity process itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may eliminate the above-described disadvantagesand provide for the above-described needs by teaching, for example, asystem and device for use in securing a facility, and more particularly,by teaching a tray cart system and tray that may be used to containvarious objects that are processed through a scanning device.

One embodiment of the present invention may be a system including asecurity scanning device through which objects may be passed, having aproximate end and a distal end, a plurality of trays, and a plurality oftray carts adapted to receive the trays, wherein the plurality of traysare provided in a first tray cart at the proximate end of the scanningdevice, and wherein the trays are adapted to be passed through thescanning device at the proximate end, and wherein the trays are receivedin a second tray cart after passing through the scanning device at thedistal end of the scanning device, and wherein the second cart isadapted to be relocated to the proximate end of the scanning device.

A further embodiment of the present invention may be such a systemwherein the scanning device includes a device selected from the groupconsisting of a manual inspection station, an x-ray machine, a conveyorbelt, and a particulate matter sensor. Another embodiment may be such asystem wherein a plurality of the trays are nestable trays. A furtherembodiment may be such a system further including the step ofsubstituting a third tray cart containing a plurality of trays for thefirst tray cart. Yet another embodiment may be such a system wherein thetray cart includes a roughly rectangular base having a bottom surfaceand a top surface, a plurality of wheels attached to the bottom surface,and a vertical positioning member attached to the top surface. Stillanother embodiment of the present invention may be such a system whereinthe trays are adapted to display advertising on an interior bottomsurface of the trays. Yet an additional embodiment of the presentinvention may be such a system wherein the plurality of trays areadapted to display a tag number.

An embodiment of the present invention may be a method includingpositioning a first tray cart containing trays at the proximate end of ascanning device through which objects may be passed, wherein thescanning device includes a proximate end and a distal end, removing atray from the first tray cart, passing the tray through the scanningdevice from the proximate end through to the distal end, providing asecond tray cart at the distal end of the scanning device, and receivingthe tray passed through the scanning device in the second tray cart.

A further embodiment of the present invention may be such a methodwherein the scanning device includes a device selected from the groupconsisting of a manual inspection station, an x-ray machine, a conveyorbelt, and a particulate matter sensor. Another embodiment of the presentinvention may be such a method wherein a plurality of the trays arenestable trays. A further embodiment may be such a method wherein thenestable trays further comprise exposed sides capable of displayingadvertising. Yet another embodiment of the present invention may be sucha method wherein one or more of the tray carts is adapted to permitsubstantial visual inspection of a plurality of trays placed thereon.

A further embodiment of the present invention may be such a methodwherein the tray carts are adapted to be rollable. Another embodiment ofthe present invention may be such a method further including the step ofrepositioning the second tray cart from the distal end to the proximateend. A further embodiment of the present invention may be such a methodwherein a plurality of the trays are adapted to receive an item selectedfrom the group consisting of a laptop computer, a video camera, acamera, a purse, a coat, a pair shoes, and an umbrella. Yet anotherembodiment of the present invention may be such a method wherein aplurality of the trays are adapted to receive an item selected from thegroup consisting of a cell phone, a pager, a wallet, a set of keys, anda personal digital assistant.

A further embodiment of the present invention may be such a methodwherein one or more of the tray carts includes restraining walls thatare substantially transparent. Another embodiment of the presentinvention may be such a method wherein one or more of the tray cartsincludes a tray platform further including a resilient member. A furtherembodiment of the present invention may be such a method furtherincluding the step of providing a third tray cart. Yet anotherembodiment of the present invention may be such a method furtherincluding the step of substituting a third tray cart containing aplurality of trays for the first tray cart. Still another embodiment ofthe present invention may be such a method wherein the trays are adaptedto display advertising on an interior bottom surface of the trays. Yetan additional embodiment of the present invention may be such a methodwherein the plurality of trays are adapted to display a tag number.

An embodiment of the present invention may be an apparatus for use as atray cart for securing a facility including an approximately rectangularbase having a bottom surface and a top surface, a plurality of wheelsattached to the bottom surface of the base, and a vertical positioningmember attached to the top surface of the base, wherein the verticalmember includes at least one approximately C-shaped tubular memberhaving a first end and a second end, wherein said first end and saidsecond end are connected to said base. A further embodiment of thepresent invention may be such an apparatus wherein the apparatus isadapted to receive two differentially sized stacks of trays.

An embodiment of the present invention may be a tray for use in asecurity scanning system including, a base having a first surface and asecond surface, four containing walls extending approximately verticallyfrom the base, shock absorbing material on the first surface of thebase, and wherein the one or more of the walls displays a tag number.

These and other features of the invention may be more fully understoodby reference to the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a computer tray of the firstembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a computer tray of the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the embodimentof the computer tray embodiment as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the computer tray in a firstembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the first embodiment in anesting position.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a smaller tray of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a storage cart to be used with thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention (a rear view of this embodiment may be a mirror image of thefront elevational view).

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a left side elevational view of a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention (a right side view of this embodiment may be a mirrorimage of the left side elevational view).

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention (a rear view of this embodiment may be a mirror image of thefront elevational view).

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a left side elevational view of a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention (a right side view of this embodiment may be a mirrorimage of the left side elevational view).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theparticular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques,uses, and applications described herein, as these may vary. It is alsoto be understood that the terminology used herein is used for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that asused herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,”and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a tray” is areference to one or more tray and includes equivalents thereof known tothose skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to“a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means andmay include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used areto be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word“or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or”rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearlynecessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understoodalso to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Languagethat may be construed to express approximation should be so understoodunless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention. Structures described herein are to be understood also torefer to functional equivalents of such structures. All references citedherein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The present invention provides a tray and a system that can be used insecurity areas to provide efficient movement of loose items, laptopcomputers and electronic equipment from a starting point to an endingpoint. Specifically, the present invention may be used in an area suchas an airport security checkpoint that may have a metal detector presentthat a person has to walk through. As the person walks through thesecurity checkpoint they may have to remove such items such as wallets,keys, change and other small objects which are placed into a tray whichis either then hand checked or placed through an x-ray machine separatefrom the metal detector. At the same time, if a person has a item suchas a laptop computer or electronic equipment such as a video camera ordigital camera, they are instructed to place such items into a largersize tray which is then passed through an x-ray machine and/or handchecked.

The present invention allows for a system of uniform sizing of the traysin which items are to be placed so that the trays may easily be stackedand transported after they are used. The trays also have specified areasto allow for advertising materials to be attached. These advertisingmaterials may be changed as often as necessary so that differentcompanies' advertisements can be represented on the trays without theneed for manufacturing new trays.

In an alternative embodiment the advertising materials can bepermanently attached to the trays. The trays can be a disposable typethat are replaced after the advertisement becomes outdated or worn and anew tray is made.

The present invention has various sized trays which can be used to holdlarger items such as cameras, laptop computers or purses and a secondsmaller size which can be used when items such as keys, wallets, cellphones, PDAs and watches are to be removed and placed in a tray forinspection.

The present invention also involves a system for transporting the traysand using the trays of the present invention from the starting point inthe security checkpoint to the ending point in the security checkpoint.The system includes a first tray or cart that holds several empty traysin a organized stacked manner so that a tray can be removed when needed.The tray is then used by the user and passes through the securitycheckpoint. After the contents are taken out of the tray the empty trayis then inserted into a second rack that is identical to the first rack.The trays are then stacked in the second rack so that the empty traysare conveniently stored for later use. After the second rack iscompletely filled with empty trays the second rack can be moved to theposition of the first rack, and the empty trays are ready to be usedagain as needed.

The present invention provides a cost effective way of providingsecurity trays for a security checkpoint while at the same timegenerating revenue from the advertising that is contained thereon.Further, the present system provides an efficient system for moving thetrays for use and removal after they are used.

Security checkpoints are both a time consuming and frustrating part oftraveling for frequent fliers and people on vacation alike. The presentinvention provides a system of speeding up the process of processingpeople through these checkpoints to decrease the likelihood of delaysfor travelers. The present invention also has the advantage ofincreasing passenger flow through checkpoints and increasing travelersatisfaction due to the lack of delays.

Referring to FIG. 1, the side elevation view of a computer tray firstembodiment is shown. The tray 10 has a base 12 having upwardly extendingwalls 14 extending therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, base 12 canhave a rectangular or square shape. Referring to FIG. 2, there is afirst wall 16 and a second wall 18 positioned substantially parallel tothe first wall. The first wall 16 and second wall 18 are connected toeach other by a substantially perpendicular third wall 20 and a fourthwall 22 parallel to the third wall 20. Referring to FIG. 1, the walls 14terminate at an upper lip 46.

Referring to FIG. 2, attached adjacent the first wall 16 and second wall18 can be an extended portion to form a handle 30 so that the tray canbe easily moved by the user. The tray can be made of plastic byinjection molding or in the alternative by stamping out of PVC or asimilar material. However, any method of making the tray can be used.The tray can be made of a clear or translucent plastic if desired sothat the contents in the tray can always be seen by the securitypersonnel. However, any rigid material can be used to make the tray.

Referring to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment the base 12 has a topsurface 24 and a bottom surface 26. Referring to FIG. 3, the top surface24 can have a padding material 28 positioned thereon so that any objectsplaced with the tray 10 are cushioned by the padding 28. Padding 28 canbe of a rubber or neoprene type material to absorb any shock that theobjects inside may experience when moving the tray 10. However, it isenvisioned that any material which cushions and absorbs vibration can beused. The bottom surface 26 of the base 12 can have a non-markingmaterial 29 placed thereon so that the tray 10 does not scratch ordamage any surface which the tray 10 is placed upon. It is envisionedthat both the top padding 28 and bottom padding 29 can be attached byusing an adhesive, Velcro® or any other means provided that the paddingis securely attached to the tray 10. In a more preferred embodiment onthe top surface 24 of the base 12 it is envisioned that advertisementmaterial 41 can be placed upon either the top surface 24 or on top ofthe padding 28. This advertisement can be held on by the use of asemi-permanent adhesive, clips or a Velcro® type attachment.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an alternative embodiment, the advertisementmaterial 41 can be permanently attached to the top of the padding 28.The advertising material can be permanently imprinted on the padding 28or (referring to FIG. 1) on the top surface 24 if a padding 28 is notused. It is envisioned that the advertisement can be permanentlyattached using either a permanent adhesive or another method ofimparting a printing on the material such as sublimation orsilk-screening. Referring to FIG. 3, it is also envisioned that theadvertisement itself could be molded into the padding 28 or (referringto FIG. 1) the top surface 24 of the base 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, the tray 10 can also include an identificationnumber 13 which is used to identify the specific tray 10 used by aspecific person. It is envisioned that each tray 10 has its ownidentification number 13 that is unique to it, so that when a personplaces their items in the tray 10, it can later be easily identified ascontaining the items that the person put into it. In a preferredembodiment the identification number 13 can be located on the one of the(referring to FIG. 1) upstanding walls 14. However, (referring to FIG.2) the number 13 can be located anywhere that is visible on the tray 10.

Referring to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, positioned at eachcorner between each of the individual upstanding walls 14 is (referringto FIG. 2) an interior support post 43 at the corners. These supportpost 43 are preferably positioned adjacent the intersection of each walland extend upwardly from the base 12. These posts 43 are used so thatwhen multiple trays 10 are stacked inside one another the base 12 of asecond tray placed inside of a first tray will rest upon the supportposts 43 and not on the top surface 24 of the base 12. An advantage tothis design is that the trays 10 will not become wedged between oneanother but instead are separated from one another by the height of thesupport posts 43 to allow the trays 10 to be easily separated. A furtheradvantage to these support posts 43 is that since the support post 43 isconnected to the base 12 and the walls 14 in which they attach, theyprovide additional strength and support to the walls 14 and the jointscreated at their intersections.

Referring to FIG. 2 it is envisioned that the first wall 16, second wall18, third wall 20 and fourth wall 22 can each include (referring toFIG. 1) a window 36 on the outer surface 32 opposite the inner surface34 of each wall. The window 36 is used so that a advertisement 42 can beplaced within the window 36 so that people using the tray 10 and thepeople passing through the security checkpoint will be able to see theadvertisement 42. In a preferred embodiment, the window 36 can be formedon the outer surface 32 of each of the walls 14, however, for exemplarypurposes the structure of the window 36 on the third wall 20 will bedescribed in detail with the remaining walls having the same structure.

The window 36 has an inner recess 40 that is created by the outersurface 32 of the first wall and an outer cover 38 that is attached overthe first wall 16 outer surface 32. The outer cover 38 can be made of atransparent or translucent material depending on the user's needs. It isenvisioned that a portion of the peripheral edge of the window 36 iseither adhesively or molded into the outer surface 32 of the first wall16, however, an open portion 31 is allowed to remain so that anadvertisement 42 can be placed in the recess 40. Between the outersurface 32 and the outer cover 38 the inner recess 40 is formed which issized to allow an advertisement material 42 to be placed within theinner recess 40. The advertisement 42 can be made of a thin paper-likematerial or any other material such as a plastic or metal provided thatit fits within the inner recess 40. The advertisement 42 is preferablyof flat configuration and has an outer surface having printing thereonwith this side being positioned adjacent the outer cover 38 so that itcan be seen through the transparent or translucent outer cover 38. It isenvisioned that a seal 43 can be placed above the inner recess 40 toclose off the space between the outer cover 38 and the outer surface 32to prevent the advertisement 42 from falling out of the inner recess 40.The seal 43 can have a hinged type construction that allows the seal 43to be selectively moved to either prevent or allow material to beremoved from the inner recess 40. The seal 43 is also envisioned to be aremovable friction type material such that it can be removed when neededbut does not easily fall out of the recess 40.

An advantage of the present invention is that various advertisements 42can be easily interchanged in the windows 36 when needed because theadvertisements are not permanent.

In an alternative embodiment, the advertisement 42 can be permanentlyattached to any of the walls of the tray. It is envisioned that theadvertisement 42 can be permanently attached to (referring to FIG. 2)the first wall 16, second wall 18, third wall 20 or the fourth wall 22.Referring to FIG. 1, the advertisement 42 can be permanently attached sothat inadvertent removal of the advertisement can be prevented. It isenvisioned that the advertisement can be silk-screened or imprinted onthe outer surface of the tray. After the tray has been used, and if theadvertisement 42 has been worn partially away, the tray can be disposedof and a new tray can be created having either the same advertisement ora different advertisement.

An advantage to the alternative embodiment of a permanent advertisement42 being attached to the tray is that new trays are constantly beingmade as the older trays are either used or worn. These trays can be of adisposable variety and can be recycled after they are no longer used.Another advantage to the alternative embodiment of the present inventionis that the recycling of trays constantly provides a clean and uniformlook to all checkpoint areas since the trays that are being used are ingood condition.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show how the first wall 16 and second wall 18 have anindentation 54 formed in each wall. First wall 16 and second wall 18 areconstructed of a first section 48 which extends upward from the base 12,a second section 50 which is substantially perpendicular to the firstsection 48 at a first end 49 connected to a third section 52 at a secondend 51 with the third section 52 being substantially perpendicular tothe second section 50 and in a parallel plane to the first section 48.The first wall 16 and second wall 18 are made of these three sections sothat the trays can be easily stacked within one another. The horizontalsecond section 50 and the first section 48 form the actual indentation54 itself.

FIG. 5 shows how the trays 10 are nested within one another and how thethird section 52 has terminates at an upper lip 46. The upper lip 46 ofthe third section 52 contacts the second section 50 of a second tray 53when a first tray 10 and second tray 53 are placed within one another.

An advantage of this nesting system is that when the trays are not beingused, they can be easily be stacked for storage and used at a latertime. A further advantage of the nesting system is that since theadvertisements are on the outer surface of the tray the advertisementscan be seen at all times thereby increasing the visibility of theadvertising to potential consumers which are the people being processedthrough the security checkpoint.

An alternative embodiment of the tray is shown in FIG. 6. The secondembodiment is a smaller tray for items such as keys, change, cellphones, PDAs and wallets. The second embodiment 60 has a base 62 havingupstanding walls 64. The upstanding walls 64 terminate at a second part66, which is preferably perpendicular to the upstanding walls 64. Thesecond part 66 has first end 61, which is connected to the upstandingwalls 64 and extends away from the upstanding wall 64 to a second end 63which is connected to an extension 68. The extension 68 preferablyextends toward the base 62 either partially or completely the distanceto the base 62. The extension 68 is sized to allow for a window 67 to beplaced thereon. The construction of the window 67 is similar to thewindow 36 used in the first tray 10, except that it is smaller inconstruction to fit on the second tray 60. Referring to FIG. 7 a topplan view of the second embodiment 60 is shown. An aperture 70 is usedas a grip portion on the second part 66 to allow a user to place theirfingers within these holes to securely grip the tray 60. Anidentification number 69 that is unique to each tray 60 can be locatedon the second part 66 so that the tray 60 can later be identified asbeing used by a particular person.

Referring to FIG. 8, a third embodiment 80 is shown which has the samegeneral shape and construction as the second embodiment tray 60. Thedifference in the third embodiment is that several apertures 90 arepositioned on a second part 86 at each of the four corners of the tray80. An advantage to this design is that a user can securely grip thetray 80 using any of these apertures 90 to move the tray 80 to thedesired area. It is envisioned that this third embodiment 80 can use onits side wall 81 a similar window 36 as in the first embodiment 10,therefore, it will not be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 10, a system of the present invention using the traysdescribed earlier will now be described in detail. The system of thepresent invention includes using of a first cart 102 at a starting pointbefore the security point 104, using trays 106 and 108, and the using ofa second cart 110 which is identical to the first cart 102. As a personenters the checkpoint, they are told by security personnel to put any oftheir carry on baggage or electronic items, such as laptop computers,onto the conveyer belt to be processed through the x-ray machine. Withthe present invention, a laptop computer is placed by the person beingsearched into a larger tray 108, which is sized to fit around the laptopcomputer so that it is not damaged as it is passing over the conveyerbelt and through the x-ray machine. The person is then usually asked bysecurity personnel to remove any loose items and bags and place them ineither a smaller tray 106 or a larger tray 108 as previously describeddepending on the side of the items which are to be searched. A firstcart 102 is placed prior to the security point where the user is thenasked to remove such items. The first cart 102 is constructed so that itholds the trays 106 and 108 in a stacked position so that the emptytrays can easily be taken out of the cart 102 and given to the person.After the person has put the various items into the trays 106 and 108they are given back to the security personnel who then searches theitems. The user then proceeds through the security point 104. Typicallyin an airport or other area the security point will be a through thesecurity point 104 and at a later time receive the trays 106 and 108which they placed their items into prior to passing through the securitypoint 104 and be told to take their items out of the trays 106 and 108and proceed out of the security area. After the person has empted theitems out of the trays, they can be placed in a second cart 110 which isidentical to the first cart 102. The empty trays 106 and 108 are stackedin a specific area of the cart 110 so that the trays can later be usedagain.

After the second cart 110 is completely filed with empty trays 106 and108, the second cart 110 can be moved to the position of the first cart102 prior to the security point 104 and provide empty trays for peoplegoing through the security point 104. After the first cart 102 isdepleted of trays 106 and 108 the first cart 102 can be moved to thelocation of the second cart 110 to then receive empty trays at the endof the security point 104. The rotation of the security carts 102 and110 and the trays 106 and 108 creates an efficient and convenient way totransport the trays from the beginning to the end of the security point104.

It is envisioned that a third cart 103 can be used in addition to thefirst cart 102 and the second cart 110. The third cart 103 can be usedas a back up or spare cart with empty trays 106 and 108 contained withinit to be placed in the position of the first cart 102 when needed tofurther speed up the process of providing trays to people going throughthe security checkpoint. The third cart 103 can also be used in additionto the second cart 110 as an area to place the empty trays 106 and 108after they are used. The use of the third cart 103 further facilitatesthe flow of the trays 106 and 108 from the beginning to the end of thesecurity checkpoint such as times when peak travel and passenger volumeis experienced at an airport security checkpoint.

Referring to FIG. 9, a first cart 102 will be described in detail. Thefirst cart 102 has base 122 preferably having wheels 124 attached to thebottom surface thereon. In a preferred embodiment the base 122 has arectangular or square shape with the wheels 124 placed at each corner ofthe base 122. The base 122 has several walls 132 extending upwardly fromthe base 122 opposite the wheels 124. The walls 132 in a preferredembodiment can be made of a clear plastic or a metal material such assteel for durability, however, it is envisioned that plastic or anyother material that is rigid can be used. The walls 132 are spaced apartfrom each other to form a first tray recess 126 and a second tray recess127. The first tray recess 126 is used for holding the smaller trays 106and the tray recess 127 is used for holding the larger trays 108. Eachof the recesses are constructed so that the trays 106 and 108 can beplaced within the recesses so that they do not fall out of the cart 102and can be transported. In a preferred embodiment, both tray recesses126 and 127 have platforms 128 at the lower end thereof adjacent thebase 122. The tray platforms 128 are supported by resilient members 130that are attached to both the base 122 and the tray platforms 128. Theresilient members 130 can be metal springs or any other resilientmaterial such as plastic or rubber. The tray platforms 128 and theresilient members 130 are used to support the trays 106 and 108 that areplaced within the tray recesses 126 and 127. It is envisioned that in analternative embodiment tray platform 128 may not contain resilientmembers of 130 and that the trays 106 and 108 themselves will rest uponthe platform 128. In a more preferred embodiment, the walls 132 of thecart 102 are divided into a first wall 134 and a second wall 136 thatforms tray recess 126. The recess creates a vertical column that allowsthe trays to be easily inserted into and out of the top of the cart 102when needed thus providing a convenient and organized way of stackingthe trays 106 and 108 in the cart 102. The second wall 136 and a thirdwall 138 form the second tray recess 127. The second tray recess 127 issimilar to the first tray recess 126 except that the spacing between thesecond wall 136 and the third wall 138 is different than the spacingbetween the first wall 134 and second wall 136 to allow the differentlysized trays to fit within the second recess 127.

The second cart 110 is an identical cart to the first cart 102,therefore, it is not described in detail.

An advantage to the present system is that the first cart 102 and secondcart 110 are identical carts, thus when one cart is completely filled itcan be moved to the proper location where needed. In the alternative,when one cart is completely erupted it can be moved to the appropriatearea to be later filled with trays 106 and 108.

Furthermore, when there is a high volume of people being processedthrough the checkpoint, a third cart 103 can be used to hold the trays106 and 108 to further speed up the movement of the trays 106 and 108from the end point of the security checkpoint to be transported to thestarting point of the security checkpoint.

FIG. 11 is a top view diagram of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment the overall width may be about 21.61inches and the interior width measure from (referring to FIG. 3) onefirst section 48 to the opposite first section 48 may be about 15.81inches. In FIG. 11, the overall vertical length may be about 13.81inches.

FIG. 12 is a side view diagram of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention. The vertical height of this embodiment may be about 5.0inches and the height of (referring to FIG. 1) handle 30 may be about0.63 inches.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating the placement of a tag number 13 and advertisingwindows 36.

FIG. 14 is an end view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.It may be similar in appearance to a side view of the same embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a top view diagram of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment the overall width may be about 13.00inches and the interior width measure from (referring to FIG. 3) onefirst section 48 to the opposite first section 48 may be about 8.81inches. In FIG. 15, the overall vertical length may be about 12.00inches.

FIG. 16 is a side view diagram of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. The vertical height of this embodiment may be about 5.0inches and the height of (referring to FIG. 1) handle 30 may be about0.63 inches.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating the placement of a tag number 13 and advertisingwindows 36.

FIG. 18 is an end view of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.It may be similar in appearance to a side view of the same embodiment.

Although the illustrated embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isunderstood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments and that various other changes and modifications may beeffected thereon by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention, and that it is intended to claim allsuch changes and modifications as fall within the scope of theinvention.

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 26. A method comprising: positioning a plurality of traysat the proximate end of a scanning device through which objects may bepassed, wherein said scanning device comprises a proximate end and adistal end; providing a tray from said plurality of trays, wherein saidtray is passed through said scanning device from said proximate endthrough to said distal end; receiving said tray, after said tray passesthrough said scanning device, at the distal end of said scanning device;and moving said tray from said distal end of said scanning device tosaid proximate end of said scanning device and placing it with saidplurality of trays so that said tray can be passed through said scanningdevice at said proximate end, and wherein said tray comprises one ormore of the group consisting of information displayed on the surface ofsaid tray and a unique tray identification number.
 27. The method ofclaim 26, wherein said information comprises advertising.
 28. The methodof claim 26, wherein said trays are adapted to display said informationon the interior surfaces of said trays.
 29. The method of claim 28,wherein said information is displayed on the interior bottom surface ofsaid trays.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein said information isdisplayed on a padded insert that is placed on the interior bottomsurface of said trays.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein said paddingin said padded insert is selected from the group consisting of rubber,neoprene, and foam.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein said paddedinsert is securely fastened to the interior bottom surface of saidtrays.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein said padded insert issecurely fastened to the bottom of said trays by a means selected fromthe group consisting of adhesive, glue, tape, Velcro®, clips, andrivets.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein said information is attachedto said padded insert by the method selected from the group consistingof sublimation, silk-screening, adhesive, and direct printing.
 35. Themethod of claim 26, wherein said information is printed onto theinterior bottom surface of said trays.
 36. The method of claim 26,wherein said unique tray identification number is x-ray readable. 37.The method of claim 26, wherein the unique tray identification number islocated on one of the upstanding walls of said trays.
 38. The method ofclaim 26, wherein said unique tray identification number is recorded ona bar code.
 39. The method of claim 26, wherein said unique trayidentification number can be read through said scanning device.
 40. Amethod comprising: positioning a plurality of trays at the proximate endof a scanning device through which objects may be passed, wherein saidscanning device comprises a proximate end and a distal end; providing atray from said plurality of trays, wherein said tray is passed throughsaid scanning device from said proximate end through to said distal end;receiving said tray, after said tray passes through said scanningdevice, at the distal end of said scanning device; and moving said trayfrom said distal end of said scanning device to said proximate end ofsaid scanning device and placing it with said plurality of trays so thatsaid tray can be passed through said scanning device at said proximateend, and wherein said tray comprises information displayed on a paddedinsert placed on the interior bottom surface of said tray.
 41. Themethod of claim 40, wherein said padding in said padded insert comprisespadding selected from the group consisting of rubber, neoprene, andfoam.
 42. The method of claim 40, wherein said padded insert is securelyfastened to the interior bottom surface of said trays.
 43. The method ofclaim 40, wherein said padded insert is securely fastened to theinterior bottom surface of said trays by a means selected from the groupconsisting of adhesive, glue, tape, Velcro®, clips, and rivets.
 44. Themethod of claim 40, wherein said information comprises advertising. 45.The method of claim 40, wherein said tray further comprises a uniquetray identification number.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein saidunique tray identification number is x-ray readable.
 47. The method ofclaim 45, wherein said unique tray identification number is located onone of the upstanding walls of said trays.
 48. The method of claim 45,wherein said unique tray identification number is recorded on a barcode.
 49. The method of claim 45, wherein said unique trayidentification number can be read through said scanning device.
 50. Amethod comprising: positioning a first tray cart containing trays at theproximate end of a scanning device through which objects may be passed,wherein said scanning device comprises a proximate end and a distal end,providing a tray from said first tray cart, passing said tray throughsaid scanning device from said proximate end through to said distal end,providing a second tray cart at said distal end of said scanning device,receiving said tray passed through said scanning device in said secondtray cart, and moving said second cart to said proximate end of saidscanning device so that said trays in said second cart be passed throughsaid scanning device at said proximate end